Kent Valley Hockey Association

Tournaments Highlight Thanksgiving Weekend for Kent Valley Teams

Kent, WA – KVHA News for 3 December, 2009 – Last year about this time we had a visit from the Oregon High School Selects hockey team as they made the trip up I-5 from Portland to Kent Valley Ice Centre to play our Midget “B” Tornadoes.  The Oregon team provided one of the most awful exhibitions of poor coaching, player and team misconduct, and unsportsmanlike behavior I have ever witnessed.  They amassed well over 300 minutes in penalties over the two games.  Sunday’s misbehavior continued after the game into the hallway outside the locker rooms and had to be controlled by the officials.  It was memorable, to say the least. 

Fast forward to Monday of last week; I panicked when I heard that this same Oregon team was returning for another weekend series of games with our Midgets.  I wondered why we would invite the monsters to return.  Not to worry.  The visitors came to town with new coaches and new players, and turned out to be a delightful group of players, coaches and parents.  The Tornadoes had two very competitive games with the Oregon High School Selects winning Saturday’s game 4 to 3 and losing to the Selects on Sunday, 2 to 6. 

The matchup is worthy of rematch in Oregon later in the season.  I might even drive down to the Rose City to watch the games.

Here’s the weekend scores:

KVIC & KVHA Rink Notes:

KVHA Auction Update – As of Wednesday, December 2^nd, as near as we can tell, only one KVHA team was close to completing their auction commitment.  The Midget Tornadoes had completed and turned in paperwork but still had a couple of auction items to be delivered to the rink.  So, congratulations to the Midget Tornadoes for coming closest to meeting the December 1^st auction deadline. 

Auction volunteers are logging donated items into the auction computer system in preparation for producing the Auction Catalog.  Auction invitations were mailed two weeks ago to over 300 potential bidders, and the first two auction admission tickets have been purchased by Rosemary Javorski of Puyallup.  Thank you Rosemary, and thank you volunteers!

So, keep those auction items coming in.  Let us know if you have any questions…

Rena Sullivan Makes Bail – Kent Valley’s Rena Sullivan was a good sport about being incarcerated in the downstairs banquet room at Kent Valley Ice Centre for two hours while she made phone calls to raise funds for MDA.  Rena was the 3^rd highest fund raiser as she recruited $1,332 for the local MDA effort.  This money will provide HELP and HOPE to the more then 650 King County families affected by neuromuscular diseases by providing:

• Medical Clinics at the UW Medical Center and Seattle Children's Hospital
• Family Support Groups
• Financial Assistance with the repair of durable medical equipment and access to a loan closet of medical equipment
• A week-long Summer Camp for kids with neuromuscular disease
• All-important research projects that seek to find the causes of and eventual cures for over 40 diseases

On behalf of MDA, Rena Sullivan thanks all of her KVHA, KVIC and KVFSC supporters.

Squirt Tornadoes Earn 2nd Place in Thanksgiving Harvest Cup Tournament in Vancouver, Washington

Story submitted by Bart Lajoie

Vancouver, WA  29 November, 2009 – With turkey, stuffing, mash potatoes and pumpkin pie still on their minds, the Kent Valley Squirt Tornadoes decided to spend their Thanksgiving weekend with their fellow teammates by competing in the Thanksgiving Harvest Cup Tournament in Vancouver, Washington.

The tournament took place from Friday morning to late afternoon on Sunday where the Championship game took place between the Kent Valley Tornadoes and the Eugene Generals Jr.  The competition was without a doubt visible as the Tornadoes’ first game started off on Friday against the Portland Goldzillas.   Both teams put up a strong defense for the first 14 minutes, but Goldzilla was able to find the chink in our armor by scoring the first goal in the first period.   With the players still getting the feel of the other team or maybe it was the abundance of turkey still in their system, but another goal was allowed through our defense to score against Alex Bucci in the first few minutes of the second period.  

The Tornadoes’ coaches gathered the team, did some reorganizing and established a new battle plan that would surely bring the team a successful campaign.  Within minutes of getting on the ice it was obvious the team was there for business.  They lashed out by placing the Tornadoes on the board, not once, but twice in the second period to tie the game.  The first goal was scored by Matthew Butson with the assist by Brandon Lajoie.  Seven minutes later Brandon Lajoie tied the game with an unassisted goal.  The team was rejuvenated at this time.  Now, they needed to close the book on the Goldzillas. 

The team gathered for a minute between periods to hear a pep talk from their coaches.  The parents were extremely excited that the team finally came to life in the second period.   The puck dropped to start the third period and the battle began again.  Goldzilla was not going down without a fight, but it was too late for them.  Hojae Kwon knew what he had to do to cripple their team.  Hojae pressured their star player, which the Tornado parents’ called “The Silver Bullet,” by staying right on him whenever he was on the ice.  The Silver Bullet was unable to bring the Goldzillas to win because of the exceptional efforts of our offense.   Hojae Kwon scored the winning goal within four minutes in the third period with an assist from Sean Blair.  Sean Blair put the frosting on the cake by scoring another goal three minutes later with some assistance from Elliott Bucci.  In the end the Tornadoes toppled the Goldzillas 4-2.  The standard was now set along with many parents’ voices hoarse. 

Game 2 started early on Saturday against the Portland Mite A team.  Not sure what it was during this tournament, but the Tornadoes seemed not to be morning people or should I say first period players.  Things started out a little slow with both sides feeling each other out on their capabilities.  In the military we call it “Recon by fire.”  Our defense made sure Alex Bucci would be bored throughout the game.  Alex ended up being a spectator with minimal shots on goal.  Alex Bucci and the Tornadoes had a successful shutout game against the Mite A team. 

Towards the end of the first period it was obvious that the Tornadoes had figured out their opponent.   Qass Huffington sets up the play during a power play by passing it to Matthew Butson to put the Tornadoes the lead.  Both team struggled with each other for more than 31 minutes before Qass Huffington would strike again.  This time it was Brandon Lajoie making the assist to Qass, which he was more than happy to send the puck to objective.  With the Tornadoes leading by two the Mite A coach decided to take the chance by pulling their goalie and put six on five the last couple minutes.  Sean Blair took this invitation by sending their open net a present, goal.  In the end the Kent Tornadoes finished on top with a final score of 3-0.  Now the Tornadoes were tied for first place with Eugene Generals Jr.  The Generals were in our site.  We knew they were the team to beat.

Five hours would pass before the Tornadoes’ third game would take place against the Portland Ice Bats.  The Ice Bats were currently second in their tournament division and needed to take us out to put them in first place.  Within minutes of the puck dropping we knew the 1^st period omen was on us again.  Both teams could not score on one another.  Alex Bucci continued to stay alert and defend his position throughout the campaign.  The score board showed 0-0 for over 29 minutes before the golden bullet would strike.  The first goal was made by the Ice Bats with 5:20 remaining in the second period.  As usual Alex Bucci and the Tornadoes took this goal hard, but knew they had to recover and move on. 

They refocused and when the puck dropped to start the third period a lightning bolt of energy was felt throughout the arena as Justin Pitzer tied the game within the first 40 seconds of the period.  The game was tied, but there was no time for celebration.  The Tornadoes lined up and within two minutes of the first goal the Tornadoes struck again.  The goal was put into play as we pressured the Ice Bats in their zone.  The score was made because of continual passing conducted from the defense to the offense.  Brandon Lajoie passed the puck from the blue line to Matthew Butson.  Sean Blair was right where he needed to be as a forward, standing right in front of the goalie.  Matthew Butson passed it to Sean Blair for a goal.  The Ice Bats goalie didn’t know what happened.  All we knew was the score was now 2-1 in Kent’s favor. 

The joy was short lived though.  Not sure if the planets lined up or if someone made a birthday wish that came true, but the Ice Bats were able to respond to our two consecutive goals by scoring three times within 2 minutes.  The players and parents did not know what just happened, but we knew we were now down by three.  Attempts were made to reorganize the team, but the damage was done.  The Ice Bats were able to hold us back to take the win with a score of 4-2, Ice Bats.  Good game, but the rematch would be tomorrow morning between the two teams.  That game would determine who competed in the championship game.

It was 7 am on a crisp Sunday morning.  The rematch between the Tornadoes and the Ice Bats took place at the Portland Generals Coliseum.  There stood a team wanting revenge across a team that seemed a little over confident, but a rematch was in the making.  Both teams played exceptional by not allowing any goals the first period.  The coaches from both sides lined up players during face-offs to bring them some time of advantage of the other.  From zone to zone the puck went.  Both goalies had to stay alert as each team launched their ordinances at them with success.  It wasn’t until 7 minutes remaining in the 2^nd period our bunker buster found its target.  With a breakaway Sean Blair takes advantage of the open ice and makes his way into their zone and works the puck to psych out the goalie.  Thinking he knew where Sean was going to shoot he lunges to the left, but Sean Blair predicting this swerved to the right and back handed the puck in. 

Ice Bats retaliated after 13 minutes to tie the game on a power play.  For the next 13 minutes the puck went from zone to zone.  Both team put up a great fight.  The parents were prepared for an overtime period for sudden death.  With seconds remaining in the game a vicious battle took place by the Ice Bats goal.  The Tornadoes’ offense was trying everything to get the puck in.  Pushing and shoving.  Someone hit the puck at the goalie which bounced off his stick, but standing there with only 4.7 seconds on the clock was Brandon Lajoie to hit it in.  All we saw from the stands was a pile of kids on top of each other realizing they would now compete for the championship.  The end result after the puck dropped with seconds remaining was Tornadoes 2, Ice Bats 1. 

The excitement was so thick you could cut it from the air.  The Championship game took place later that after against the expected team, Eugene Generals Jr.  It was already spoken throughout the tournament how well the Generals played.  They had 18 strong players and it was obvious when they played.  The Tornadoes came out racing.  This time they brought their game out from the beginning.  There was no time for them to start out slow.  They played an excellent game and the parents were extremely happy with all the Tornado players.  But, in the end the Generals were able to take the title with a 4-0 victory of us.  I believe a rematch will take place during the Bremerton tournament in March.  This time we will have all our players there.  Our hats are tipped to you this time. 

In the end the Kent Valley Tornadoes finished in second place out of ten teams.  Players and parents had a great time and it was an experience every youth hockey player should participate in.  I want to thank the coaches for taking the time to teach the game of hockey to our children.  Without you guys we would not be here.  This also goes to the parents by pushing your kids to excel in the game and being dedicated to have you child there for every practice.  This dedication was seen over the weekend by how hard each player played.  Until next time.  Go Tornadoes! 

Here’s the Tornadoes’ scoring details

Game 1           (Kent Tornadoes vs. Portland Goldzilla) 4-2

Period  2          8:46     Matthew Butson from Brandon Lajoie

Period 2          1:16     Brandon Lajoie (Unassisted)

Period 3          14:06   Hojae Kwon from Sean Blair

Period  3          11:02   Sean Blair from Elliott Bucci

Game 2 (Kent Tornadoes vs. Portland Mite A) 3-0

Period 1          7:27     Matthew Butson from Qass Huffington

Period  3          10:25   Qass Huffington from Brandon Lajoie

Period  3          :26       Sean Blair (Unassisted)

Game 3           (Kent Tornadoes vs. Portland Ice Bats) 2-4

Period  3          16:20   Justin Pitzer (Unassisted)

Period  3          14:06   Sean Blair from Brandon Lajoie and Matthew Butson

Game 4 (Kent Tornadoes vs. Portland Ice Bats) 2-1

Period  2          7:09     Sean Blair (Unassisted)

Period  3          16:55   Brandon Lajoie (Unassisted)

Game 5 (Kent Tornadoes vs. Eugene Generals Jr.)  0-4

No goals

Kent Valley’s PeeWee Tornadoes in 2009 Battle for the Sound Tournament in Bremerton

Bremerton Ice Center, Bremerton, WA  29 November, 2009 – Kent Valley’s PeeWee Tornadoes participated in the 2009 Battle for the Sound Tournament in Bremerton over the holiday weekend.  The Tornadoes played the Semiahmoo Ravens, Langley Ice Dawgs, Abbotsford Hitmen and a tournament host team, the Kitsap County Outlaw Black.  The Tornadoes won 1 game and lost 3 others in tournament play.  All of the games were close and could have gone either way for the Tornadoes.  Two games ended in empty net goals as the Tornadoes attempted to tie it up with an extra skater.

Game 3 was the highlight of the tournament for the Tornadoes as they came from a 2 goal deficit in the 3^rd period to score 3 straight goals in the last 8 minutes of the game.  Dylan Moriarty scored with 8:53 remaining in the game to lead the Tornadoes down the comeback trail.  Landon Bevier assisted Moriarty’s goal.  Two minutes later Mason Conner turned the comeback dream into reality with a game tying goal with 6:37 remaining.  Conner was assisted by Landon Bevier and Dylan Moriarty.  The game winner came with just 1:45 remaining as Mason Conner took a tip from Dylan Moriarty to score the game winner.  Players, parents and fans shook the bleachers with excitement and anticipation as the seconds clicked off the game clock to the end of the contest.  Yes!  Tornadoes win!

Landon Bevier earned tournament team scoring honors with 3 goals and 6 assists.  Dylan Moriarty had 3 goals and 2 assists, Tom Speer scored 3 goals, Elliott Plourde had 3 assists and Mason Conner scored two goals.  Goalie Aaron Mathews stopped 53 of 67 shots on goal over the four games.  The Tornadoes behaved themselves on the ice, averaging just over 9 minutes per game in penalties.

Congratulations to the Kitsap County Hockey Association for their great effort in making the “Battle for the Sound Tournament” an annual tradition.  It was a great tournament with a terrific selection of teams from throughout the Pacific Northwest and the lower mainland of British Columbia.  We’ll be back again next year.

The scoring summary is below:

Peewee Selects take 2nd place in Portland Turkey Tourney

Story submitted by Randy & Sue Peacock

Sherwood Ice Arena, Sherwood, Oregon,  29 November, 2009 – The Selects had a great showing down in Portland over Thanksgiving coming away with 2^nd place.  The team made a valiant effort throughout the tournament, but fell victims to a strong Chilliwack ‘A’ team and just plain old bad luck.  The team played big although they were notably short-handed missing between 4-5 players in each game.  Below is a recap of the weekend.

Game 1: Kent 3 – Portland 0: Austin Phelps started the tourney off well notching another shut-out on his belt with some excellent stops and glove work.  This game also saw Zack Houck skating well as he took on the kids that he played with as a Mite.  Most notable in this game was watching the team do some excellent cycling of the puck.

Game 2: Kent 3 – Chilliwack 9: Although the score doesn’t show it, the Selects actually held the Chilliwack team close in 2 of the 3 periods but suffered a meltdown in period 2 that was too big to recover from.  Notable moments in this game include some nice hits by Dawson Myers and Anton Nikitin.  Alec Johnson also showed his strength with excellent skating, hitting and shooting.

Game 3: Kent 4 – Seafair 3: The team put on a shooting exhibition during this game beginning with a top-shelf sharp shot by Ryno Peacock which captured a lead that was never lost.  The excellent display in shooting continued as Christian Cinderella made one of the most beautiful plays of the tournament as he carried the puck down the ice past the entire Seafair team sniping the top corner of the net.  Eamann McMillan, who normally plays defense, showed his versatility filling in at wing picking up a nice goal as well.  Nick Pizzey did what he does best sneaking in to steal a goal by quickly reacting to a rebound shot.

Semifinal: Kent 5 – Vancouver 1: The team was able to frustrate Vancouver quickly in this game and it showed as Vancouver ended up with many penalty minutes and one tossed coach.  Vancouver was simply unable to handle the many different strengths of the Selects as the Selects beat them at every turn.  This game saw some nice back and forth passing between Paddy Dunphy and Ryno Peacock which ended in a needle-threading goal by Paddy.  Paul Gicewicz then turned his right arm into a hammer nailing the coffin shut on Vancouver with one of his trademark blue-line slap shots which blazed a trail to the back of the net.  This led to Alec Johnson having a fun skate down the ice to grab an 'empty netter' goal in the remaining minutes of the game. 

Final: Kent 2 – Chilliwack 3: This was a thriller from start to finish.  The game started with a nervous Kent team allowing 2 quick goals in the 1^st minute.  Once the nerves settled though, Kent struck back registering a quick goal in response and holding strong with some great defensive play by Lydia Grauer and some key hits by Jake Best that helped slow two small but quick and lethal Chilliwack players.  The game stayed close throughout with a 2-2 tie carried into the 3^rd period.  Chilliwack then managed to sneak one past Kent and carried a single goal lead to the end.  Chilliwack had 1 goal called off in this game while Kent had 2 goals called off including a fantastic game-tying shot by Christian Cinderella that the refs concluded hit the net after the final buzzer.  It was a bitter ending to the tournament for the Selects but they can be proud of their effort and accomplishments as every kid on the team who played contributed toward their strong tourney showing. 

Scoring summaries are below:

Nanaimo Tier-II Clips Kent Valley’s Bantam Tier-II Selects 8-3 in Exhibition at Kent Valley Ice Centre

Kent Valley Ice Centre, Kent, WA  29 November, 2009 –The Nanaimo Tier-II Clippers made the seven hour trip from northern Vancouver Island to the Seattle area for a weekend of shopping and exhibition hockey.  The Clippers took on the Everett Bantams at the Community Ice Center in Everett on Saturday and headed south to Kent with a 17 to 0 victory in their shopping bags.  On Sunday, they visited the Kent Valley Ice Centre to take on Kent Valley’s Bantam Tier-II Selects.

Period one was a defensive battle between the two teams.  Nanaimo outshot the Selects 8 to 3 in the period with neither team finding the net.

Nanaimo began a seven-goal scoring frenzy with 8:49 remaining in the second period with a shorthanded goal.  The Clippers scored 3 more goals in the second period to end the second period up 4 goals to none.  The Nanaimo scoring frenzy continued in the third period with 3 more unanswered goals before the Selects tallied a point.  Jacob Becker began the Select’s own scoring frenzy with a shorthanded goal with 7:25 remaining in the third.  Becker was assisted by Ryan Zukowski.  Mikey Julin teamed up with AJ Alonzo to score a power play goal with 4:57 remaining.  Caleb Bromley scored the Select’s third goal in less than five minutes with assists from Ryan Zukowski and Jacob Becker to trim the Nanaimo lead to 4 goals.  The Clippers added their eighth and final goal with 2:25 remaining to play.

Editors note:  This was a great game to watch.  The game was a lot more competitive than the 3 to 8 final score might indicate.  More importantly, the Nanaimo parents enjoyed their visit to Kent Valley and we enjoyed having them.  A Nanaimo parent explained that games with competition in their home area were always lopsided one way or the other.  “Some teams we play just kill us.  Others, we just kill them.  We have very little competition where it’s even or balanced.  First period in this game was the most balanced competition we’ve had all season.  It was very entertaining and very good for our team.”  He went on to say; “Your Kent Valley team scored 3 quick goals on us in the 3^rd period.  They made it look like they could have done that at will anytime they wanted.  They were very competitive.”

It’s a long trip between Kent and Nanaimo.  However, I recommend we consider making the trek up the Island any chance we get.  And, when we get that second sheet of ice built next door and we’re able to host tournaments, we should make sure we send these folks an invite.  They’re nice people.

A scoring summary is below:

Bantam Tier-I Elite Face Tough Competition in Abbotsford Tournament

Center Ice, Abbotsford, B.C.  28 November, 2009 – Kent Valley’s Bantam Tier-I Elite met up with some tough competition at a weekend tournament in Abbotsford, B.C. over the holiday weekend.  Elite met Excellence in game one as the Kent Valley Bantam Elite lost to Pursuit of Excellence 2 to 10.  Kent Valley’s Justin Loepker scored early in the second period with assists from Anthony Mantz and Damon Hanson.  At that point in the game, Pursuit of Excellence already had 5 goals.  The trio teamed up again in the third period to register the Elites second goal, just like the first one; Loepker from Mantz and Hanson.

Game two was another learning experience for the Elite as they lost to the South Delta Storm by a score of 2 to 11.  Anthony Mantz scored the Elite’s first goal at 8:37 of the second period with an assist from Faaiz Jappie.  The Elite’s second goal was scored unassisted by Damon Hanson with 7:47 remaining in the second period.

Game three was a 10 to 0 victory for the Langley Eagles.  Game four was the Elite’s best showing of the tournament as they took on the host Abbotsford Hawks.  Justin Loepker scored early in second with assists from J. Thomas Peach and Anthony Mantz.  Jonny Marzec scored and unassisted goal midway through the second to cut the Abbotsford lead to two goals.  The Elite’s third and final goal was scored by Jonny Marzec with an assist from Taylor Vickerman.  Final score; Kent Valley Elite 3 – Abbotsford Hawks 7.

Midget Tornadoes

Story Contributed by Mary McDonald

Kent Valley Ice Centre, Kent, WA  29 November,  2009 – The Tornados hosted the Oregon Select High School Hockey team at home for back to back weekend games.  The series started out Saturday evening when the Tornadoes won the first game by a 5-4 score.  The game was even throughout the entire game.  Goals would be traded back and forth, as would the few penalties. 

The second game on Sunday morning would not fair well for the Tornadoes.  Besides losing the game 6-2, they ran into a lot of penalty problems, allowing 2 power play goals.

Here’s the scoring summary:

T-BIRDS AND PARTNERS TO RAISE FUNDS FOR LAKEWOOD POLICE INDEPENDENT GUILD THROUGH ONLINE TICKETS SALES TO DECEMBER 11 GAME

All tickets bought online Wednesday, December 9, for game against Tri-City Americans will go to fallen officer fund

By Ian Henry

Director, Public & Media Relations

Seattle Thunderbirds Hockey Club

Kent, December 3, 2009 - The Seattle Thunderbirds have partnered with the City of Kent, the Kent Police Department, ShoWare Center and radio stations Q-Country 102.9 FM (KNBQ) and Funky Monkey 104.9 FM (KFNK) to raise funds for the Lakewood Police Independent Guild.

The T-Birds will donate 100% of ticket revenue from online ticket sales between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. on Wednesday, December 9, to the game against the Tri- City Americans on Friday, December 11, to the Guild.

"We are looking forward to supporting the Guild and encourage our fans to let family and friends know about this worthwhile fundraising event," said T-Birds owner and general manager Russ Farwell. "We hope it is an overwhelming success and we sell out the ShoWare Center, raising as much money as possible for the family of these fallen heroes."

"We could not undertake this fundraiser without the help of the City of Kent, the Kent Police Department, ShoWare Center and Q-Country and the Funky Monkey. We were all completely shocked by what happened in Lakewood and hope to help as best we can."

Q-Country and Funky Monkey will be providing air time to run commercials promoting this fundraiser.

"Words cannot express our grief for the families and friends of the four fallen Lakewood Police Officers," said Shellie Hart, Program Director for KNBQ and KFNK. "Hopefully our actions will as we reach out to our audiences for their thoughts, prayers and support."

The T-Birds will have a very identifiable graphic at the top of their home page on Wednesday, December 9, that fans will be able to click on to purchase tickets to the game against the Americans.

Jason Thomsen’s Shout from the ShoW

As we near the end of 2009 and begin 2010, this is the perfect time to schedule your team to play at ShoWare Center.  It is easier to organize than you might think and it will be one of those special things that the kids remember for the rest of their life.  If you want to reserve one of the limited numbers of time slots remaining, please call me as soon as possible.  Have a great week and we hope to see you at “the ShoW” on Saturday as we take on the Silvertips!

"Let's Go Birds!"

Jason S. Thomsen - Director, Business Development

Seattle Thunderbirds / ShoWare Center

625 West James Street - Kent, Washington 98032

Direct - (253) 856-6834

Have a great week!

Contact: Lew Sellers, Director of Communications

Kent Valley Hockey Association

6015 So. 240th Street

Kent, WA. 98032

(206) 914-9619 Cellular

Lew@KentValleyIceCentre.com

Thanksgiving Holiday is a Break from Hockey for Some

Kent, WA – KVHA News for 27 November, 2009 – I’m late getting the newsletter out this week.  Why?  Because, I chose turkey over hockey.  Let’s face it, I took a break!  Karen and I braved the windy and rainy weather, and heavy holiday traffic, and travelled down I-5 to the rolling hills southwest of Napavine, Washington where we enjoyed a terrific turkey dinner at the “Mansion on Briggs Mountain.”  We dined with sister-in-law Pam Briggs, her husband Jerry and another sister-in-law Texan Merzoian.  The Briggs’ home is situated atop a forested hill near Napavine.  Because the home is very large, we jokingly refer to it as the “Mansion on Briggs Mountain.”  Trophy Elk, Moose, Caribou, Sheep, Mountain Goat, Bear, Antelope, and several varieties of Deer adorn the walls of the entry foyer and large dining room.  Jerry Briggs is an avid hunter and an active member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.  He is a fanatic about hunting, much like I am about hockey.  His world is far different from mine.  I can’t understand his obsession with killing big game animals, nor can he understand my obsession with hockey.

In spite of the poor weather and heavy traffic, it was a wonderful visit with Pam, Jerry and Texan, and a great break from hockey.  I’m thankful for the time off.  I hope you also had an enjoyable Thanksgiving Day.

Following are the scores from weekend games:

Mite Tornadoes Fall 5-4 to SJHA Admirals Red in a Thriller at Kent Valley Ice Centre

Story contributed by JR Jenkins

Kent Valley Ice Centre, Kent, WA  21 November, 2009 –The Kent Valley Mite Tornadoes hosted the Seattle Junior Hockey Admirals Red in a battle between the number 1 and 2 teams in the NPSHL Mite Division.  What resulted was a close, well played game with the Admirals Red earning a 5-4 victory.  The Tornadoes took more shots and had more time in the offensive zone, but the Red Admirals worked an effective counter attack to nip the Tornadoes in the end.

The teams were deadlocked at 1-1 after the first period, with Oliver Carlson getting the Tornadoes off to a quick start, scoring at 1:51.  The Red Admirals clamped down in the defensive zone, however, and kept the game close until netting the equalizer at 5:08. 

The second period was dominated by the Tornado offense – generating 10 shots on-goal to the Red Admiral s 4, but like the first period both teams were only able to light the lamp one time.  Playing more than 12 minutes of scoreless, thrust and parry hockey, Danny Smith scored at 12:03 on a breakaway.  Danny showed great patience as the Red Admiral goaltender displayed some fine positioning to force Danny wide of the net.  Danny remained calm and focused, however, and worked the puck back to the crease, sneaking it past the goal post.  The Red Admirals countered 1 minute later as Joe Kennedy was able to beat Tornado goalie Brett Jenkins on a breakaway.

With the score knotted at 2 after 2 the third period promised to be exciting.  The teams did not disappoint.  Danny Smith netted his second goal of the game at 6:41 of the third to put the Tornadoes up 3-2.  However, as was the trend in this game, the Red Admirals scored 30 seconds later to tie the score back up. 

The Red Admirals – whose offense was more geared to open ice, individual effort, scored quickly after the ensuing face off, as Ashton Blackwell threw a puck in the direction of the Tornado goal which was deflected past Jenkins.  Oliver Carlson got the goal back quickly on a rush down the right side to equalize at 9:43.

The game appeared to be heading for a 4-4 tie, but the Red Admirals were able to create a scoring chance and won a scrum in the crease, with Joe Kennedy netting his second goal of the game and earning the game winning goal with 1:01 left in the game.  The Tornadoes worked hard in the last minute to try and earn the tie, but were thwarted by the collapsing Red Admiral defense.  The two teams play again on January 24 in what should be another great match up!

The Tornadoes enter the Thanksgiving Day weekend – and first off weekend of the season – with a 6-1 record.  The team is tied for first in points (19), have earned all of their sportsmanship points (6), and lead the league in goals and goals against.  More notable, however, is their growth as a team.   With six practice sessions before the next game, you can be sure the Tornado coaches will continue their great work, with a continued focus on skating hard, using the boards to clear the defensive zone, filling the lanes on offense and passing the puck to the open man.

At this time of thanks – suffice to say we are all thankful for the great effort our boys are displaying, the tremendous coaching they are getting, and for getting to watch such good, competitive hockey each weekend.

Here’s the scoring summary:

Squirt Tornadoes Dominate Seattle Jr. Bulldogs

Story contributed by Bart Lajoie

Lynnwood Ice Arena, Lynnwood, WA  22 November, 2009 – The Squirt Tornadoes enjoyed their contest with the Seattle Jr. Bulldogs Sunday in Lynnwood.  The Tornadoes outshot the Bulldogs 30 to 6 and scored 9 goals.  Matthew Butson recorded a Hat Trick with 2 goals in the first period and a power play goal in the third period, the final goal of the game.  It was also a three point game for two other Tornadoes; Sean Blair scored 2 goals and 1 assist and Justin Pitzer scored 1 goal and assisted on 2 others.  The Tornadoes took 3 penalties to the Bulldogs 2 penalties during the game.  Butson scored the only power play resulting from those penalties.  Alexander Bucci got the win in goal for the Tornadoes.  Bucci stopped all but one of the Bulldogs shots for save percentage of 83%.

Here’s the scoring summary:

Squirt Selects Drop Back-to-Back Games to Strong SnoKing Squirt B99 Team

Story contributed by Bill Best

Castle Ice Arena, Renton, WA  22 November, 2009 –The Squirt Selects played a two-game series with the SnoKing Squirt B99 Jr. Thunderbirds over the weekend.  Kent began game 1 at Kingsgate Ice Arena with a strong defensive effort in the first period.  Cam Hansen was getting shelled with shots and held his own in net for the Selects.  In the second period the SnoKing Jr. Thunderbirds began to realize success.  Kent was able to respond with a single goal, Braden Sanchez from Ian Doner, but spent the second and third periods minimizing the attack from the JR. T-Birds.  The Selects were outshot in the second period 25 to 3 and 55 to 11 for the game.  Final score was SnoKing 9 to the Selects 1.

Game two at Castle Ice Arena on Sunday picked up where the prior day left off.  The Selects had a few strong rushes on net early and then retreated to a defensive strategy attempting to thwart off the Jr. T-Birds.  The Selects were outshot 36 to 17.  In the end, the final result was similar to the previous day’s game, SnoKing 11 to the Selects 0.

Strong Defense Sustains PeeWee Hurricanes in 4 -1 Victory Over SnoKing Jr. Thunderbirds

Story submitted by Kirsten Mallery

Kent Valley Ice Centre, Kent, WA  21 November, 2009 – Many coaches subscribe to the theory "defense wins hockey games."  While the final score did not necessarily reflect that theory, it was most certainly proven true when the Junior Thunderbirds (Green) came to KVIC to challenge the PeeWee Hurricanes last Saturday.

My apologies as unfortunately this reporter was late to first period so highlights for the period are truncated.  However, a little birdie reported to me Ryan Atkins had an "awesome" breakaway and shot-on-goal!  I'm sorry I missed it.  I walked in the door just as Dennis Zaks lit the lamp for his sixth goal of the season.  Later the Hurricane defense was completely engaged in a mind-blowing scrum net-front that seemed to go on forever and gave the Junior T-Birds ample opportunity to score...which they just could not (thankfully) do.  The D really dug in and fought hard, in what was probably their best showing yet, to somehow keep the puck out of the net.  Goalie Ben Cary, with cold-as-ice NHL composure, tied up loose ends and made it look frightfully easy!

Second period could be summed up with the phrase "access denied."  Darn near the entire period was spent in the Hurricane zone allowing the Junior T-Birds further opportunity to ruin the Hurricanes 3 game win-streak, or, at the very least, put an equalizer on the board. Somehow the Hurricanes managed to end the period still up 1-0.

Blaine Reich took second period opening face-off down ice for a shot on goal. Later in the period he intercepted a pass to head down ice, only to be tripped up, but with great second effort managed to get a shot off as he was sliding down ice. Sierra Sanabria notched her first shot on goal of the season.

Defensively Emily Atkins swooped in to break-up a two-on-one battle on the boards...the one being Riley Agnew ...after several minutes of everyone on ice literally watching Riley hold his own.  With much authority, Emily entered the fray took the puck away and sent it off to a Hurricane forward to end the stalemate.

Third period the Hurricanes went up 2-0 when Camden Mallery lifted the puck top shelf to put away his fourth of the season.  In a perfect example why a player should just throw a shot on net, Brianna Baker tallied her first of the season when she slapped the puck to the net from mid-ice...and watched in complete shock as it easily slid past the goalie to put the Hurricanes up 3-0!  I hope someone caught a picture of the look on her face as the call was made!!!

The merriment of being up 3-0 apparently went to the Hurricanes heads allowing the Junior T-Birds to serve notice there was still time on the clock and anything can happen in hockey! Literally 30 seconds after the Hurricane goal the Junior T-Birds notched a reality check to make it 3-1.  The Hurricanes stood up and took notice.  Kyle Pirttila had two shots on goal after he gathered up the initial to follow with great second effort and get his own rebound to throw the puck back on net.  "Mr. Intensity" Blaine Reich notched his third tally of the season unassisted after winning a good battle at the Hurricane blue line to beautifully, and literally, muscle through and split the Junior T-Bird defense to plant the puck top shelf for the final goal of the game.

The 4-1 final served to reinforce a Hurricane team gaining momentum, confidence and solidarity with each passing weekend.  There's an excitement in the air, a pre-storm "buzz".  Looks to be a big Hurricane developing...  

A scoring summary is below: